A PARK bequeathed to the community nearly 100 years ago is to undergo a £1m makeover in time for its centenary celebrations.

The restoration of Eastwood Park in Hasland, Chesterfield, will improve and modernise existing facilities and introduce new features such as a mini orchard and play area.

A grant of £1.07m has been secured from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Big Lottery Fund.

The park’s village and fountain are also to be refurbished before the 2013 anniversary.

Barbara Arrandale, of the Friends of Eastwood Park, said the aim was to preserve the park for another century.

She said: “We can’t stop smiling about it! It’s not the end of the course yet there is still a long way to go.

“There is no real reason why the majority, if not all, the work is done in time for the centenary.

“It all needs a jolly good facelift and a bit of TLC but that is very expensive, so it’s great we’ve got this money.”

A community garden, wildlife area, tree planting and multi-use games area is also to be created at the park, donated to the community by Alderman Eastwood in memory of his father.

Chesterfield Council, which put in the bid with community groups, is contributing another £210,000.

Coun Chris Ludlow, executive member for environment, said: “Eastwood Park is a much loved space for the people of Hasland and we’ll be working with councillors, residents and the Friends’ group to make sure they get the park they want for the local community.”

Work is due to begin late summer and will be finished for the centenary celebrations in June 2013.